As the first part of the index was uploaded to the Geelong & District Database on Christmas Eve, it’s appropriate to select the seamen engaged on 24 December 1856.

NAME

SHIP

CAPACITY

Prev SHIP

REMARKS

John DORAN

Ann & Maria

Able Seaman

Red Jacket

Discharge lost

James LOW

Mary Ann

Cook & Steward

Shalimar

Discharge lost

George H GREEN

Vibilia

Mate

Vibilia

John ANLESS

Vibilia

Able Seaman

Martha

James AULD

Vibilia

Able Seaman

Braces

James KERR

Vibilia

Able Seaman

Vibilia

Andrew YILL

Vibilia

Able Seaman

Vibilia

George F CLEMENT

Vibilia

Cook & Steward

Rattler

All three of these ships were coastal traders which had arrived from Newcastle [NSW] laden with coal. They returned to Newcastle carrying ballast and no passengers. The Ann & Maria, a brig, departed 28/29 December, the Mary Ann, a brigantine, departed on 29 December, and the Vibilia, a schooner, departed on 24 December.

This is an ongoing indexing project – we’ll probably add entries a year at a time – I hope you enjoy this terrific index and register.